AUGUSTA, Ga. - Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore are out at Augusta National sporting their green jackets for the first time at the Masters.

After years of controversy, Augusta National Golf Club admitted its first two female members in August, and Augusta chairman Billy Payne brought up the subject Wednesday before a reporter could ask.

"At the time we described that welcoming Condi and Darla as members of Augusta National represented a joyous occasion for the club," Payne said.

"This week, that's truer than ever, and I hope the experience for Condi and Darla, as members of our club, has been every bit as rewarding and enjoyable for them over the last eight months, as it has been for their fellow members. It's just awesome."

Moore and Rice were not made available to the media for interviews this week.

Qualifying changes

The top 12 from this year's Masters will qualify for the Masters next year. In years past it has been the top 16.

Also, the top four from the U.S. Open will have an automatic spot in the Masters. In years past, it has been the top eight.

The Masters is also increasing the cutline to the top 50 players and ties in addition to those who are within 10 strokes of the leaders.

Putter controversy

Payne declined to comment on Augusta's stance on the long putter issue, but whatever the decision, he wants everyone - professional and amateurs - to play by the same rules.

"We are not a governing body," Payne said. "We are a golf club that puts on a tournament, so we wouldn't be presumptuous to say that we have that kind of influence.

"Given the fact that the ruling bodies have not yet declared a decision following that open-comment period, I do think it would be inappropriate for us to express an opinion, other than to say that we hope and believe that they can reach common ground so that golf will continue under one set of rules."